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English and Second Foreign Language Courses-related Affairs

Language Course Regulations Q&A

Last Updated: 2025/11/20

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Part 1: Waiver/Exemption for English credits

Item

免修(Waiver)

抵免(Exemption)

Applicable Students

Freshman students admitted in Academic Year 114 and onwards.

Students admitted in Academic Year 113 (inclusive) or earlier.

Key Difference regarding Graduation Credits

Total graduation credits remain unchanged (e.g., 128 credits). Waived credits must be made up by taking other General Education courses.

Total graduation credits can be reduced. The graduation threshold is lowered by the amount of exempted credits (e.g., if 4 credits are exempted, the total requirement becomes 124).

Special Regulations

Applications for "Waiver/Exemption of 2 credits" and "Waiver/Exemption of 4 credits" are limited to one time each at most.

Credit Limit

Even if eligible for more than 4 credits, a maximum of 4 credits will be recognized for Waiver/Exemption.

Flexible Application

Even if eligible for 4 credits, students may flexibly choose to apply for only 2 credits.

Application Period

From the start date of the semester to the end of the 3rd Course Selection Stage.

Late Processing

In principle, late applications are not accepted. In special cases (e.g., impending graduation), the department office may submit an official request for late Waiver/Exemption.

Application Process

1. Fill out and print the application form at the "English Course Waiver/Exemption and Confirmation of Foreign Language Competence System".

2. Bring the paper application form and original English proficiency documents to the Foreign Language Center for manual review.

Qualifications

  1. No expiration date for English Proficiency Test Scores, but must be the official original copy.
  2. Self-paid external OOPT scores are NOT accepted.
  3. TOEIC & BESTEP: Only "Listening & Reading" OR "Speaking & Writing" is required (S&W requires both scores).
  4. Foreign Students from English-speaking countries: Valid passport required (not applicable for multi-lingual countries).
  5. Formal Education in English (High School+): Proof that >50% of elective subjects were taught in English, specifying the duration (2 or 3 academic years).

Automatic Waiver/Exemption via Placement Test?

False News! Achieving the standard does NOT result in automatic waiver/exemption. Students must actively submit an application.

Applying while taking the course

Allowed, but be mindful of dropping the course yourself or issues with credit recognition.

Insufficient Minimum Credits (Underload)

Must download the "Courses Overload or Underload Request Form", mark the reason as "English Waiver/Exemption Credits", and submit it to the Registrar's Division.

 

*Old-System Exemption Issues (Students admitted in AY 103 or earlier)

  • Can I use the old system criteria?
    • No. Starting from Academic Year 104, all exemption applications are processed under the new system criteria.
  • Are old system exemptions still recognized?
    • Yes. Exemption credits already approved (e.g., Freshman/Sophomore English) are not affected.
  • If I already passed 2 credits under the old system, can I still apply?
    • Yes. You can apply to exempt the remaining 2 credits based on the new criteria, or directly apply to exempt 4 credits.

 

Part 2: General English/Second Foreign Language Course Regulations (Course Selection and Credits)

Course Category

Topic

Question

Detailed Answer & Regulations

Module English

Core Regulations & System

Must the compulsory English credits be completed in the Freshman year?

No. You only need to complete the 4 compulsory English credits before graduation.

What is an "English Module"? What happens if I don't have one?

1. Prerequisite for Course Selection: You cannot select a course without a module; the system will show "No English Level".

2. Remedy: You must register for a module online during the announced period in each semester to select courses for the next semester.

Can I change my English Module?

Yes (Upgrade Only). You must provide proof of a higher proficiency test score (e.g., TOEIC/TOEFL) and apply online during the announced period. It becomes effective the following semester.

Selection Rules & Credits

How many courses can I take per semester? Are there special rules for Seniors?

  1. General Students: Limited to 1 course per semester.
  2. Seniors (4th Year): Recommended to take 1 course each in the Fall and Spring semesters. If facing graduation issues in the Spring semester, you may take 2 courses (4 credits). (Warning: If a Senior has no module, no credits, and no test scores by the Spring semester, they cannot select courses )

What if I select courses with the same name (but different teachers)?

Credits are not calculated repeatedly. They are considered the same course. You must drop and re-select a different course yourself.

Can I take more courses after finishing the 4 compulsory credits?

Yes. Still limited to 1 course per semester.

1. These do not count toward total graduation credits.

2. They do count toward the semester GPA.

3. A1 English courses cannot be transferred to General Education credits.

Can I sign up for a full class (add-in)?

Yes. It depends on the status of the class during that semester.

Compulsory vs. Remedial

Can I take "Compulsory English" and "Remedial English" at the same time?

Absolutely Not. You must finish the 4 credits of "Compulsory English" first. Only those who have not met the graduation threshold are eligible for "Remedial English".

I am a Senior in the Spring semester and worried about failing the graduation threshold. What should I do?

Finish Compulsory English first → Take an English proficiency test during the semester → If compulsory credits are done but the test is not passed, take "Online Remedial English" in the Summer.

Special Cases & Myths

How do Returning/Transfer/Exchange students select courses?

  1. Current Semester: Freely select a module and course during the 3rd Stage of Course Selection.
  2. Next Semester: Must obtain an external English test score and register the module online.

I am graduating soon but have zero English credits.

1. Test for Waiver/Exemption: If you meet the standard, apply immediately for Waiver/Exemption (4 credits at once).

2. Summer Course: Take courses at the university or externally (external courses require prior syllabus review).

Does placing into a high level on the Freshman Placement Test mean automatic exemption?

Fake News! Placement only indicates your class level. Even if you meet the standard, you must actively submit an application to complete the Waiver/Exemption process.

Second Foreign Language

Selection & Credits

Can I use a Second Foreign Language to replace Compulsory English?

No. Compulsory English is an independent graduation requirement.

Can Freshmen take Second Foreign Languages? What if the class is full?

Yes. If full, you can ask the instructor for permission to add the course after the semester starts (approx. 5 spots, subject to the teacher's rules).

How many Second Foreign Language courses can I take per semester?

Maximum of two. The system lottery will only assign 1 course; the 2nd must be obtained via manual add-in.

Can I take a high-level course first and then go back to a low-level one?

Not recommended. It is suggested to learn step-by-step.

Can I take different levels of the same language at the same time?

No. Each language is limited to one level per semester (e.g., you cannot take Japanese III and Japanese V simultaneously).

Can I retake a course I have already passed?

Yes. But you must sign an affidavit and bear responsibility for any credit issues.

Can these credits be transferred to other categories?

Yes.

1. Transfer to Elective Credits: Contact your Department Office.

2. Transfer to General Education (Interdisciplinary): Contact the Center for General Education.

 

Part 3: Freshmen English Proficiency Test (OOPT)

Q: What is the purpose of the Oxford Online Placement Test?

A: The test is used to assign you to a "module" (course level) appropriate for your skill. You must have a module assignment before you can select an English course.

Q: Who does not need to take the placement test?

A:

  • Students from the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature.
  • Returning, exchange, or transfer students.
  • Students who already possess an official English test certificate with a CEFR level (e.g., TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS).

Q: I missed the placement test as a freshman. Can I take it later?

A: No. The placement test is a one-time opportunity offered only to freshmen before their first semester.

Q: What should I do if I missed the placement test and have no other English test certificate?

A: You must take an external English proficiency test on your own. Once you receive your score, bring the official certificate to register for a module. You will then be able to select English courses for the following semester.

Q: I uploaded my English test certificate but wasn't assigned to a module. Why?

A: You likely uploaded it to the wrong system.

  • "English Proficiency Placement System" is for module assignment.
  • "English Course Exemption/Waiver and Confirmation of Foreign Language Competence System" is for waivers/exemptions.

These two systems are separate and their data is not shared. If you made this mistake, you must wait for the module registration period to become eligible for the next semester.

Q: I heard that Module 1 courses are the easiest. Is this true?

A: This is false. While designed for a foundational level, Module 1 courses are intensive and require no less time or effort than courses in Modules 2 or 3.

Q: I can't find or have lost the email with my placement test score. How can I retrieve it?

A: Email the Foreign Language Center at nckueagle@gmail.com. Use the subject "OOPT Score Inquiry" and include your full name, department, year of admission, and student ID number.

Q: Can a student admitted in one year use the module placement standards from another year?

A: No. The module placement standards are specific to your academic year of admission.

 

Part 4: Graduation Proficiency Requirement

Q: How do I find out the specific tests and scores required for graduation?

A: These requirements vary by department. Please inquire directly with your department's office.

Q: How do I get my proficiency requirement certified after passing a test?

A: The process is entirely online:

  1. Upload the electronic file of your score report to the "Foreign Language Proficiency and Achievement Verification System".
  2. After you submit, your department (not the Foreign Language Center) will review the application.
  3. Once approved, you have met the requirement.

Q: Is there a deadline to apply for certification?

A: No, you can apply any time before you graduate.

Q: I have passed the online "Remedial English" course. Do I still need to apply for certification?

A: No. Successfully completing this course automatically fulfills the requirement.

Q: Does the Foreign Language Center (FLC) need to review my graduation requirement test score?

A: No. After uploading your score to the system, please notify your department office to conduct the review, not the FLC.

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